Brain Fitness: Continue Learning for Longevity

Just because you are out of school doesn't mean you should stop learning. Learning new things exercises your brain, and brain fitness is an important part of successful and healthful aging. You can keep your brain fit and sharp, and increase your longevity, by pursuing new interests and lifelong learning through continuing education and other mentally challenging activities.

As you age, changes in your brain make it more difficult for your brain to store and remember information. But keeping your mind active through lifelong learning can help combat these age-related changes in mental functioning. In fact, studies have shown that the more educated people are, the better their mental functioning is, and the less likely they are to develop dementia as they age.

Researchers believe that brain fitness improves mental functioning and decreases dementia risk because mental activity stimulates your brain cells and increases their ability to communicate with each other. Plus, this mental stimulation is thought to strengthen the connections within your brain, enhancing your brain's ability to cope with dementia-related changes that may occur with age.

Brain Fitness Activities

Lifelong learning comes in many forms, and you should choose activities that you enjoy. Here are fun and challenging ways to improve your brain fitness:

Take a college course. Find out if your local college or university has a continuing education program and sign up for a class. This is a great way to learn about a topic you’ve always been interested in while strengthening your mind.

Learn new skills. If there is a project around your house that you have been meaning to get done, learn how to do it yourself. Picking up new skills to remodel your bathroom or landscape your backyard will challenge your mind.

Take advantage of work opportunities. If you work outside the home, accept new challenges that require you to learn new skills or use your mind in new ways. If you’re retired, consider getting involved in volunteer opportunities, which can continue to stimulate your brain after you leave the workforce.

Start a chess or bridge club. Get together with friends and organize weekly game nights. Playing mentally challenging games and staying social are great ways to keep your memory sharp and boost longevity. If you can’t plan a weekly event, host an informal evening of playing cards or board games for a great way to get your brain cells working.

Take up a new instrument. If you have always wanted to play the piano or the clarinet, take some lessons. It’s never “too late.” You may find a hidden talent or passion, and either way, you’ll stimulate your mind in a new way.

Get creative in the kitchen. If you enjoy cooking, trying new recipes and cooking techniques can be a tasty way to exercise your brain.

Puzzle your brain. Completing crossword puzzles and other brainteasers helps you stay mentally engaged. And all you need is a sharp pencil.

Vary your routine. Just shaking up the monotony of daily life can trigger your brain. Make a point of driving along a different route, taking a vacation, or visiting a new theater or museum to keep your brain waves in motion.

Think of your brain as a “use it or lose it” organ, and challenge yourself to lifelong learning. It will help you stay sharp and focused long after you’ve left the classroom.

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